INTRODUCTION.
Many of you know that I am an avid reader. I consistently have at least two or three books on the go. Some books I read here in my office and usually deal with church, ministry, or worship-related issues -- to help me develop as a pastor. The books I read at home are generally for personal entertainment, and these are usually one of four types: history -- stories of actual events or biographies; historical fiction -- based on actual events, writer filled in the gaps with possible motivations, conversations, events; modern-day fiction -- based on current events and issues; and Sci-fi (science fiction) -- stories based on future events like space travel, time travel, new technologies, etc. (like Star Trek). I enjoy reading books from all three perspectives, because it stimulates my thinking, develops my own creativity, and it’s fun.
Past, present, and future -- more than just a frame of reference (time); it can actually be a frame of mind -- and I find that most people fit into one of these three categories.
There are those who view life from the perspective of the PAST. They’re always looking back to times past -- the "good old days" -- enjoy reminiscing of past events, fond memories, past relationships.
There are those who view life from the perspective of the PRESENT. They like the "here and now" -- current ideas, issues, fashions -- "live for the moment" type of people.
Then there are those who view life from the perspective of the FUTURE. They’re constantly looking to the days ahead, what’s yet to come.
There are Positives and Negatives to each perspective, aren’t there:
PAST -- Positive -- provide a strong link to history and heritage.
-- help us to learn from past success and failures.
-- form the foundation for growth and development.
PAST -- Negative -- some live in the past (home, wardrobe -- time warp).
-- Resist / resent change - "it’s always been that way."
-- don’t like the present, terrified of the future.
PRESENT -- Positive -- firm sense of reality - the way things are.
-- practical, fix-it people - deal with problems we have now.
-- enjoy each moment, spontaneous.
PRESENT -- Negative -- focus on the "here & now", fail to plan for the future.
-- overly practical - "won’t work, can’t do it, won’t try it." -- "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."
-- tend to be reactive -- deal with it when it happens.
FUTURE -- Positive -- Dreamers, see beyond today’s problems to the potential of tomorrow.
-- View Change as a good thing -- natural and necessary.
-- Proactive -- always moving ahead, never standing still - "if it ain’t broke, break it."
FUTURE -- Negative -- Reject the past for the future -- old is bad, new is good.
-- in their need to change, they can become insensitive to the fears and needs of others -- past generations.("get with it" mentality)
-- sometimes don’t deal well with reality (out of touch).
Obviously, no one is completely one of these perspectives, and it is probably healthy to spend some time in each. But it’s also true that all of us tend to think from one of these perspectives more than the others.
How does this fit into our lives as Christians? Many Christians I know dwell either in the Past or the Present.
-- PAST -- remember the way church used to be -- when it was pure in its beliefs and practices.
-- complain about the lack of commitment in young people.
-- resist change -- worship, music, programs, etc.
-- PRESENT -- only concerned for the "here and now".
-- church is one of the many options that fit into our schedule.
-- change is OK as long as it fits into my frame of thinking, and as long as it doesn’t demand too much of me.
-- anything else is either backwards, or too radical.
Where SHOULD we be as Christians? Let’s consider the Apostle Paul?
In Philippians 3:13-14, he said this -- "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
I don’t think there is any doubt that Paul was a forward-thinker. He understood the past (his past), and he enjoyed and made the most of the present, but he was always looking forward towards the future.
What’s the significance of that? Consider the very next verse: "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." (Phil. 3:15) In other words, Future-mindedness is a sign of Spiritual Maturity -- it is essential and beneficial for our spiritual development.
For two weeks now, we have been studying some foundational truths that Paul gave to Timothy and Titus, in the form of "trustworthy sayings" -- principles they could count on.
The first foundational truth that we discovered two weeks ago was "The Certainty of God’s Grace." We discovered that understanding the Grace of God as demonstrated in the life and death of Jesus Christ is the essential starting point for finding stability and security in life.
The second foundational truth, which we looked at last week was "The Reliability of God’s Promises." And we studied Four Distinct Promises that provide encouragement and assurance.
Now, Paul wanted to move on to the third foundational truth / third spiritual check that they could take to the bank: #3 "The Necessity of Future-Mindedness."
READ 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 - 16.
As we read this chapter, you probably noticed that the "trustworthy saying" fell right in the middle of Paul’s instruction to Timothy. This is significant -- verses 9-10 are key to understanding the entire chapter. Everything from beginning to end is impacted by the truth in v.10. And the key to this is that word "Hope" -- "that we have put our HOPE in the living God... the Savior of all men." Hope is a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about the future.
And notice, it’s closely connected to the other two "sayings": when we truly understand the nature of God’s grace, and when we are able to trust the reliability of God’s promises, we can’t help but place our hope and confidence for the future in God as well. Paul is saying that this hope can and should impact EVERY aspect of our lives. How?
I. FUTURE-MINDEDNESS HELPS US TO... RESPOND TO PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WITH US.
The first 3 verses describe the opposition that Timothy was either facing, or was soon likely to face. In verse 1, Paul indicated that there were going to be those who would waver in their faith, and become spiritually fickle -- always changing, always pursuing something new -- easily led astray. These people would follow Timothy for awhile and then leave. They would disagree with his unwillingness to be open / adapt to new ideas.
Paul also stated in verse 2 that there were going to be those who deliberately taught what was false -- trying to lead people astray. The Living Bible puts it this way: "These teachers will tell lies with straight faces and do it so often that their consciences won’t even bother them." They would directly oppose Timothy, and try to turn people against him.
And Paul issued a third warning in verse 3: these liars and others would try to restrict his followers with unbiblical rules and regulations. They may agree with the content of Timothy’s teaching on faith, but they would try to add other rules and expectations for conduct -- spec. re: relationships and food. This would cause infighting, confusion, & levels of spirituality -- setting fires that Timothy would have to put out, distracting him from his true purpose.
So how would "future-mindedness" help Timothy? For one thing, when opposition and disagreements arose, it would not come as a shock to Timothy -- he will have been WARNED, and would have been expecting it. Secondly, with Paul’s help, Timothy would have a PLAN OF ACTION for dealing with these lies -- specifically, an understanding of God’s Word as it related to the past, present, and future. For instance, Paul would help Timothy to understand how past dietary rules had fit into God’s eternal plan; but were no longer necessary and required for God’s people -- this would help him to address those concerns properly.
But perhaps the greatest advantage of this perspective -- in the midst of difficulty and opposition, Timothy would be reminded that God was AWARE of everything that Timothy faced and His PLAN was moving ahead.
(ILLUS.) This reminds me of the classic detective show "Columbo" -- often seen on A&E. Each episode started with the crime being committed, usually identifying the perpetrator to the audience. As the show progressed, you watched as little by little, Columbo sifted through the clues trying to find the truth -- often with his classic line: "oh, just one more thing..." And what is remarkable is that, even though you knew he would solve the puzzle, it was fun to watch him put each piece in its place -- so that when the show ended, Columbo had figured out the mystery, and had fingered the culprit -- arrested.
In verse 1, Paul stated "The Spirit clearly says that in later times..." this would happen. Therefore, as opposition arose, it would remind Timothy that time was passing quickly, and that the end was near -- one day the wrong would be identified and punished, and the faithful would be vindicated and rewarded.
The same is true for us -- when people oppose us or disagree with us, future-mindedness helps us to see things from God’s perspective; to see that any opposition we face now is TEMPORARY and NATURAL. As a result, we can respond to difficult / challenging people in a way that is true to the faith and that is pleasing to God.
II. FUTURE-MINDEDNESS HELPS US TO... BECOME COMMITTED TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
As we have noticed before, Paul often compared the life of a Christian to the life of an athlete -- does so again. I appreciate how Eugene Peterson paraphrases v.7-8 in The Message: "Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion..."
In other words, don’t get caught up in ideas that sound righteous, but don’t correspond with Scripture. For example, many of us have heard the phrase "God helps those who help themselves"; while it sounds good, it is not in Bible. Or how about this one: "America is God’s country / Promised Land." Again, it sounds good and patriotic, but it’s not a biblical principle. What Paul was saying is: "Don’t replace God’s truth with rules, myths, mottos -- no matter how great they sound."
He goes on to say: "Exercise daily in God -- no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever."
Now we understand the need for PHYSICAL fitness, don’t we? It’s taught to us in school, we see it on TV, read it in magazines. In fact, fitness, weight loss, and physical beauty are a big part of today’s culture. But notice what Paul says: "Physical fitness can be a Good thing, but it’s NOT the Most Important thing." He says: "It is more important that you become spiritually fit -- need to train yourself, and exercise your spiritual muscles."
How do we do that?
-- Communication with God -- reading the Word (God’s truth), prayer.
-- Studying the Truth -- hearing God’s truth on a regular basis, pursuing the truth yourself, and then interacting with others.
-- Applying the Truth -- put it into practice in your own life.
I know that I am not the most muscular and physically fit person -- a little flab; muscles that haven’t been used for years. However, I also know that I cannot change overnight -- I can’t expect to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger without working at it for a few days / few years -- it will take some time.
Spiritual fitness is similar. It is not a one-time action, but a continual process of training and spiritual exercise that requires discipline and determination. It is a step by step process of building spiritual muscles as we take in truth, and apply it to our lives.
How does Future-Mindedness help in spiritual growth?
First, it helps us to see the long view -- spiritual maturity is not a destination, but a process. Some things take longer than others; some lessons have to be learned and relearned. And, in fact, there will always be more to learn -- more growth to take place.
Future-Mindedness also helps to provide the Motivation we need. As Paul indicated in verse 8, it "holds promise for both the present life and the life to come" -- spiritual growth holds promise and reward that makes the discipline and determination worthwhile.
III. FUTURE-MINDEDNESS HELPS US TO... SET OUR PRIORITIES FOR LIFE.
Paul knew that the days ahead would be difficult for Timothy: a growing congregation, an increase in the number of expectations being placed on him by others, and so many fires being set that needed to be extinguished. And add to that the fact that he was still young (30’s), it would be tough for Timothy to know what to do. How would he distinguish between what was important, and what was essential? How would he know what he alone could do, and what others could do for him? In other words, he needed to know how to set Priorities for his life and live by them. And in this hectic, crazy world in which we live, we need the same thing, don’t we?
Thankful, Paul gave him some direction:
1) Become an EXAMPLE for Others to Follow.
In verse 12, Paul said "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." The first essential for Timothy was to become the follower of Christ that he should be -- so that others could imitate him. And he was to focus on these important aspects of his life:
-- speech -- things he would say, or not say.
-- life -- his own character and conduct.
-- love -- the way he treated others -- demonstrating grace & love.
-- faith -- personal belief and trust in God’s faithfulness.
-- purity -- person of integrity and self-control.
Why were "these" things so important? If these qualities were strong in Timothy’s life, then even if others didn’t understand or appreciate his words, they would not be able to find fault with his character. The same holds true for us -- to be what God wants for us to be; to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ -- a person of love and integrity.
2) Do What God Has ALREADY Told You To Do.
Timothy had been selected by God, and trained by Paul to be a spiritual leader -- the role he now had. Paul said "you know what you should be doing, now do it!"
-- Be a Leader -- chart the course and set the pace for the others to follow; create the vision for ministry, get it moving.
-- Be a Teacher -- share the Word of God with others, in times of public worship, in times of group study, and in moments of personal instruction and counseling. Teach the truth so that others will learn and follow.
Now, while it’s true that not all of us have the same responsibility as Timothy (minister), all of us have been given a responsibility to fulfill -- parent, spouse, teacher, worker, student -- we must work at it with diligence and commitment. And it is also true that all of us are called to be "disciples" & "spiritual leaders." All of us are being watched -- have someone following us -- so all of us have the opportunity to influence others for Christ by the things we say and do.
3) Use the Gifts and Abilities God has Given You to Serve Him / Others.
In v.14, Paul referred to a "gift" which Timothy had been given by God through the ministry of a local congregation. We don’t know what it was -- special, unique to him -- Paul said, "use it."
In other letters, Paul was very clear in saying that all of us as Christians have spiritual gifts and abilities that have been given to us by God -- not to be admired or hidden -- to be used to serve others. They’re not all the same -- but they’re all important, and they’re all essential for the body of Christ to be complete, and for God’s work to continue effectively. Therefore, it is essential that you Identify Your Gift, and Use Your Gift to Serve.
Where Does Future-Mindedness fit into all this?
a) It provides a Sense of URGENCY to our life and ministry. Knowing that life is short and uncertain, we make the choice to set our priorities straight, and then live by them.
b) It provides the INCENTIVE to keep going.
(ILLUS.) Greg Swindell, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, once shared his secret for continuing to play through difficult games. On the back of his baseball cap he had a name inscribed in tiny little white letters and a date written out on the underside of the cap’s bill. The name was of his daughter, Sydney, born January 21, 1991. "When things are going badly or when I’m getting shelled, I can take it off and look at it and know what I have to look forward to when I get home."
What was Timothy’s incentive? Read v.15-16. The priorities that he set, though difficult to keep at times, would be worthwhile because they would produce the two things that were important to Timothy: Personal Growth and Effectiveness in Ministry.
APPLICATION.
(ILLUS.) A Sunday school teacher once asked the children in her class, "How many of you would like to go to Heaven?" All of the children raised a hand except one little guy named Derrick. The teacher diplomatically inquired why he didn’t want to go to heaven. Derrick replied, "I’m sorry, Mrs. Spellman, but my mommy told me to come right home after Sunday School."
This is funny, but it’s also indicative of the attitude that many of us have. We want the benefits of the future, but we don’t necessarily want it now. We have other plans and priorities that we want to fulfill first.
How Do We Develop The Attitude of Future-Mindedness?
1) Identify Your Current Perspective on Life -- Do you tend to look at life from the past, present or future perspective?
2) Admit the Positives and Negatives of that Perspective. Yes, there are some good points to viewing life in that way, but there are also some detriments. Identify them.
3) Agree that God is in Control and that His Priorities and Plans take precedence over yours. He is Lord and He not only deserves, but demands first place in your life.
4) Adjust Your Perspective. Begin to look at life through the lens of the future. See what a difference this can make in your life. This does not mean that we ignore the Past or Present (each has its proper place in life and in God’s plan), but it opens us to the potential of the future.
*** Note: Next Sermon in Series will be from 1 Timothy 3.
